Great trip to Zion

Last weekend we roadtriped to Zion, had a great trip! I was a little aprehensive. To say our hiking has always been successful would be a stretch. Everyone was great. We hiked into emerald pools and had a great picnic at the Lodge. Spent most of the day in the Park. It was beatiful. On the way back to St. George we stopped at Grafton (the ghost town) to see if we could see Shaggy and Scooby and the Mystery Machine. The weren't there but it was still pretty cool. I remember stopping as a little kid and thinking it was strange. Anywhooo... this trip gave me hope that we can hike as a family. There was very little whinning and lots of laughter. Put one in the win column.

This is why I want to buy a scooter.

Ouch, and I still had a quarter tank before I filled up.

Green Eggs and Ham

This is what happens when you put me in charge of St. Patrick's Day dinner. Green eggs and ham. Mmmmm......

Snow Caves

So, I have never dug a snow cave and slept in it. Until this weekend. I went up with the my scout troop (which I serve as Asst. Troublemaker, I mean Scoutmaster) to dig caves, some with the intention of sleeping, some with the intention of just digging. Here are a couple of lessons I learned.

1. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to dig a quality cave.


2. You get really wet. In the effort of full disclosure, we were caving in snowbanks at one of our scouts cabins. So after getting really wet, I was able to go change and sit by the fire for 3 hours before returning for my slumber. I was still glad to have many layers.


3. When you wake up in the morning you wake up with really sore shouders from chipping and hauling snow, and suprisingly really bruised knees from kneeling in small confined areas chippng and hauling snow.


4. While sleeping in a snow cave the mind plays some wierd tricks on you. You think, "What if a cougar (Not a BYU cougar, although that might be uncomfortable as well) thinks my awesome cave is an awesome cave? Could I fight if off? Would it be afraid of my headlamp?" You also think, "Wow, that cave ceiling is awful close to my head." Then you actually fall asleep, sit up, to roll over and think "Crap/Ouch, that hurt, I knew that celing was too close to my head"


5. Things I am glad I had for a quality snow caving experience: Big Blue Tarp, 2 crazy creek chairs (folded out for insulation) 1 Thermarest Pad, 2 sleeping bags, 2 socks, fleece pants, rain pants, 1 Poly-pro shirt, 1 fleece turtleneck, 1 fleece jacket, 2 sets of gloves, 1 beanie cap, 1 camp pillow, head lamp (to fend of the cougras), Sorels, and a short shovel with a hand grip (and a cabin close by to change and get warm and dry!)

I have to say that I was the only person to make it through the night outside. Man vs Wild, here I come. I have also had many nights camping where I was colder then than I was in the snow cave. I would do it again, minus the visions of cougars.

For more Snow Cave fun check out the Troop 181 blog link. See you in the snowbank.

One of the best days of the year.

There is just something awesome about riding your bike with 4-5 foot snow banks on the side of the road. Makes you feel tough. In my opinion, one of the best days of the year is when you get to ride outside and get off the trainer. I was not the only one with this idea. I counted 54 cyclists in Emigration Canyon, everyone seemed pretty happy. I rode farther and harder than "the plan" called for, but it was great. I was 5 minutes off my PR from the "Slide Area" sign at the bottom to the yellow gaurd rail at the summit, so there is some work to do, but mostly is was fun just to get out and enjoy the extra added hour of sun, thanks to an early DST. Even made it home in the daylight. I have to admit that I am sad to see the snow melt. I would like to get out and ski some more, but the trade offs will be abundant as hiking, Mtn. biking and all the other stuff that clutters my garage can come out and play. See you at the summit.

Two wild and crazy guys...

Now there is no question that I got a straight shot of genetic "cool" from my father. The tweed blazer, the turtleneck and of course the moustache, any gentlemen should sport one. The real question? Who pulls it off better. Mr. "I lived the 70's" (Quincy) or Mr. "I wish I lived the 70's" (Shawn). Don't forget to vote on the sidebar!

It is not often you have a gathering of such fine gentlemen. But on occasion it does happen.